Page 4480 - Week 15 - Thursday, 22 November 1990
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It will define the animals to which new legislation is to apply - to all vertebrates, except humans. It will include fish and reptiles. Inspectors will be able to be appointed. It will establish an animal welfare advisory committee to provide expert advice on animal welfare matters. It will establish a system of enforced self-regulation to control and monitor the use of animals in research. It will require intensive poultry farming and other intensive animal husbandry organisations to operate in accordance with a code of practice. It will prohibit rodeos. It will allow circuses to visit the ACT, subject to control by a permit system. We will make it an offence to deliberately abandon an animal. We will prohibit the conduct of certain animal fighting events and make it an offence to be present at such things, prohibit the possession of jaw traps, fighting equipment, sharp spurs and spurs with fixed rowels. It is my anticipation that that legislation will be introduced to the Assembly in the early sitting days of 1991.
In relation to dog control we are following on from the comprehensive survey which was initiated in Mrs Grassby's days of monitoring this area. We have been having consultations with all the kennel associations and the various other groups around town, which have been involved in this. As I said, I have already delivered a ministerial statement on amendments to the Dog Control Act 1975.
Mr Berry: In question time.
MR DUBY: No, it was a very long and comprehensive statement, Mr Berry. If you like, I will repeat the whole lot for you. As I said, we have completed the full review of the State and Northern Territory dog control legislation. As a result of that, we will make significant changes to the Dog Control Act which currently applies in the ACT. We will allow for responsible dog owners to have access to discounted registration fees. Registration will be available to people who have conducted animal training courses, obedience classes, et cetera, with their animals. There will be large on-the-spot infringement fines for the owners of animals that foul public places. That matter will be introduced to the Assembly in the first sitting days of 1991.
I think it has been clearly demonstrated that all the matters that Ms Follett raised have been addressed. I am so pleased to hear that the Opposition is keen to get that legislation in place.
Mr Jensen: I presume that it will support it when it comes forward.
MR DUBY: I know that it will support it when it arrives. It will mean that the ACT will be the model legislative area in Australia for all these matters of concern.
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